Cambridge United boss Richard Money revealed his delight at the re-signing of midfielder Luke Berry, and highlighted the importance of the acquisition.

Berry helped the U's back into The Football League in 2013/14 before joining Barnsley, and he made 30 starts for the Tykes in Sky Bet League 1 last term.

But he has re-signed for his home city, signing a four-year deal at the Abbey to become the club's sixth summer signing.

“When we were aware Luke may be available, we had to try to make the deal happen,” Money said to cambridge-united.co.uk.

“Jez [George, Chief Executive], with the support of the board, has worked extremely hard to get him back here.”

“Luke’s playing ability will obviously enhance our chances of success, but more than that his effect on the group and the support base will be enormous.

“I cannot express enough how important his signing is to us and it continues to show our determination and intent to seriously challenge this season.”

Box-to-box midfielder Berry made his Cambridge bow against Rushden and Diamonds in February 2011 having come through the youth ranks.

Following that, he amassed 128 appearances for the club, prior to his move to Oakwell, with his most recent outing coming at Wembley Stadium in the 2014 Conference Play-Off Final against Gateshead, which the U's won 2-1 to seal a League return.

“I’m really pleased to be back and since the opportunity came up I have been really excited,” Berry explained.

“It did take some thinking, but at the end of the day I wanted to come back here and show everyone what I am really about.

“I have seen the other signings being announced and certainly feel there is something good happening here. The club I think will really push on this season and I’m looking forward to being a part of that.

“I have learnt a lot during my time away at Barnsley, especially the tactical side of the game, such as what to do during certain times of the match. Hopefully I can show a bit of that this season.

“I still have fond memories of Wembley in my last game and thinking about it now still makes me smile, but I’m coming here to potentially make a few more memories.

“The start of the season and the chance to run out in front of the Cambridge United supporters can’t come soon enough for me.”